Reading Tools

Davenport Arms, Woodford, Gets Gong

The old-timer with the staying power is honoured

Published on January 9th 2012.

THE Davenport Arms, aka the Thief’s Neck, has received a special award from CAMRA in recognition of the pub's longstanding support and success with Real Ale and as an example of a perfect traditional British Pub.

The legend has it that the tree which stands outside the Davenport Arms was used to hang wrongdoers, hence the nickname 'The Thieves Neck' – let us hope that any lager louts stay on their best behaviour.

CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) presents a number of awards throughout the year in acknowledgment of excellence in the industry. Confidential agrees that this Woodford boozer, south of Stockport, is a more than deserved winner.

The Robinson Brewery family acquired the Davenport Arms in 1922 but this historic hostelry – once part of the famed Capesthorne Estate – dates back to the 18th century in which the Davenport family were the game wardens to the King’s hunting preserves.

As hereditary foresters of the King, the Davenports had the authorized power to put poachers to death without trial. Hence, the crest of the Davenport coat of arms originally was a serf’s head with a rope around its neck, signifying that the Davenports had the power to hang without appeal to the King. This same crest can still be seen today from the pub’s pictorial.

The legend has it that the tree which stands outside the Davenport Arms was used to hang wrongdoers, hence the nickname 'The Thieves Neck' – let us hope that any lager louts stay on their best behaviour.

In addition to this long and rich history, the Davenport Arms also has a long and rich list of accolades and awards. Their latest award, received from CAMRA on Christmas Eve’s eve, celebrates 25 consecutive entries in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide (1988-2012).

This consistent appearance – in what The Independent have dubbed ‘Britain’s best-selling, independent guide to good beer and pubs’ – is a tribute to the quality and calibre of the staff, the heritage, the food and of course the beer at the Davenport Arms.

Yvonne Hallworth is the fourth generation of her family to steer the wheel of the long-established Davenport Arms – and the 5th generation is already helping at the helm.

“My family and Robinsons have been making decisions together and working hand-in-hand for many years now and I have to say my late Father was always very proud of the way he kept and served his beer and that was passed on to me."